Photo Credit: X/Fordnation
On Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford visited Niagara for a landmark announcement. Asahi Kasei Corporation, a world renowned Japanese chemical company, shared their plans to operate a cutting-edge battery component plant in the City of Port Colborne. The facility will cost $1.6 billion to construct and will be located south of Highway 58A, on Highway 140.
“Today we’re here for another generational investment,” Trudeau said while delivering remarks at the event. “Separators are essential components of electric vehicles and this plant will be the first large scale separator plant in the country, making our EV supply chain even stronger, here in Canada.”
It is widely anticipated that the project will receive federal backing from the Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit. The provincial government hopes to provide additional support.
“Today’s announcement is more good news for Ontario’s world-leading electric vehicle manufacturing sector and the thousands of workers who are benefitting from the billions of investments being made in our province,” said Ford. “Asahi Kasei’s investments will bring economic growth and good paying jobs to workers in Port Colborne and across Niagara.”
Upon completion, the new plant will specialize in the production of Hipore battery separators. These separators are utilized, specifically, for lithium-ion batteries, an essential component to the functioning of electrical vehicles. Scientifically, Hipore battery separators are microporous polyolefin sheets that ensure anode and cathode do not interact with each other, preventing short circuits and allowing lithium ions uninhibited travel during battery charging and use.
Jim Bradley, Niagara Regional Council Chair, was also on tap for the announcement. “Today marks a significant milestone in our region’s economic development as we celebrate a major investment in electric vehicle battery production” he said. “(This project) will undoubtedly shape our local economy for years to come.”
“This good news announcement for Port Colborne is another example of how the province is leading the world with unprecedented investments and job creation in the automotive sector,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West,” Niagara West MPP shared with The Niagara Independent. “This partnership with Asahi Kasei is a generational investment for Port Colborne and will not only create thousands of important jobs in Niagara, but right across the entire automotive supply chain in Ontario, he continued.”
“The project will not only create direct local jobs through the construction and operation of the new manufacturing facility but will serve as an anchor and draw for other operators to set up shop in Niagara. I am confident we will be seeing more and more job creators coming to our region with this vote of confidence.”
Those interested in learning more about Asahi Kasei Corporation can visit their website.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
